Quick answer
Quick answer
It can. No state lists gastroparesis by name, but 14 states let providers certify any condition they believe cannabis will help. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Understanding gastroparesis
People with gastroparesis may feel full quickly, have bloating, nausea and vomiting, and struggle to keep weight and blood sugar steady. Treatment usually includes diet changes such as small low-fat meals, blood sugar control, anti-nausea and motility medicines, and sometimes devices or procedures.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Ongoing nausea
- Repeated vomiting
- Upper belly pain and cramping
- Bloating and early fullness
- Poor appetite and weight loss
Does gastroparesis qualify in your state?
- AL AlabamaNot listed by name
- AK AlaskaDoctor's discretion
- AZ ArizonaNot listed by name
- AR ArkansasNot listed by name
- CA CaliforniaDoctor's discretion
- CO ColoradoDoctor's discretion
- CT ConnecticutNot listed by name
- DE DelawareDoctor's discretion
- FL FloridaDoctor's discretion
- HI HawaiiDoctor's discretion
- IL IllinoisNot listed by name
- KY KentuckyNot listed by name
- LA LouisianaDoctor's discretion
- ME MaineDoctor's discretion
- MD MarylandNot listed by name
- MA MassachusettsNot listed by name
- MI MichiganNot listed by name
- MN MinnesotaDoctor's discretion
- MS MississippiNot listed by name
- MO MissouriDoctor's discretion
- MT MontanaNot listed by name
- NV NevadaNot listed by name
- NH New HampshireNot listed by name
- NJ New JerseyNot listed by name
- NM New MexicoNot listed by name
- NY New YorkDoctor's discretion
- ND North DakotaNot listed by name
- OH OhioNot listed by name
- OK OklahomaDoctor's discretion
- OR OregonNot listed by name
- PA PennsylvaniaNot listed by name
- RI Rhode IslandNot listed by name
- SD South DakotaNot listed by name
- UT UtahNot listed by name
- VT VermontNot listed by name
- VA VirginiaDoctor's discretion
- WA WashingtonNot listed by name
- DC Washington, D.C.Doctor's discretion
- WV West VirginiaNot listed by name
What the research says
Not enough research. There is little good research on cannabis for this condition specifically. Patients usually use it for related symptoms such as pain, muscle spasms, nausea or poor sleep, where some evidence exists.
- There is little research specifically on cannabis for gastroparesis, and patients typically use it for related symptoms such as nausea and pain.
- Lab studies show that THC can slow stomach emptying, which is a concern in a condition where emptying is already slow.
- Small retrospective studies and patient surveys report that some people feel less nausea and pain, but these studies had no placebo group.
- FDA-approved cannabinoid medicines such as dronabinol and nabilone are approved for chemotherapy nausea, not for gastroparesis.
Sources: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017); FDA approvals; published trials. General information, not medical advice.
How doctors approach gastroparesis
Doctors often consider forms that do not depend on the stomach, such as under-the-tongue tinctures or inhaled forms, since slow emptying makes edibles unpredictable.
Small amounts used at the start of nausea are a common approach rather than large scheduled doses.
Balanced or CBD-leaning products may be considered to limit THC's effect on stomach emptying.
Starting low and going slow, with a symptom diary, helps show whether symptoms improve or get worse.
Risks and precautions
- Heavy long-term cannabis use can cause cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which brings repeated severe vomiting and can look like a gastroparesis flare.
- THC can further slow stomach emptying, which may worsen fullness and bloating for some people.
- In diabetic gastroparesis, changes in appetite and eating can make blood sugar harder to manage.
- Cannabis can add to drowsiness from anti-nausea medicines, opioids and sleep aids, and opioids themselves worsen gastroparesis.
- Tell your gastroenterologist about cannabis use, and avoid it during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
A gastric emptying study report confirming slow emptying.
Notes from your gastroenterologist, including any endoscopy results.
A list of medicines tried, such as metoclopramide, anti-nausea drugs or diabetes medicines.
A diary of nausea, vomiting, meals and weight.
A government photo ID and proof that you live in your state.
Don't have records handy? Many patients are evaluated on their history alone.
Start my free checkHow to get certified for gastroparesis
Answer a few questions
Pick your state, tell us your symptoms and what you've already tried. Review your answers and contact you to schedule your video visit.Meet your doctor by video
Join from your phone or laptop. Have a photo ID ready. The doctor reviews your history and decides whether cannabis is right for you.Get certified and registered
Pay the evaluation fee, then submit your state registry form. The doctor files your certification. We walk you through the state form line by line.
Gastroparesis: 9 common questions
Does gastroparesis qualify for a medical marijuana card?
It can. No state lists gastroparesis by name, but 14 states let providers certify any condition they believe cannabis will help. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Which states list gastroparesis as a qualifying condition?
None list it by name. It can still be certified in Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine and 6 more, where providers decide. Lists change, so confirm on your state's page before you apply.
Can I get certified for gastroparesis online?
Yes, in 11 of those states — including California, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine and 6 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 3 others, such as Alaska, Colorado and Florida, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Can cannabis help gastroparesis nausea?
Some people report less nausea, and cannabinoids are known to help nausea from chemotherapy. Research specific to gastroparesis is small and uncontrolled. THC can also slow stomach emptying, so results vary from person to person.
Can cannabis make gastroparesis worse?
It can. THC slows stomach emptying, and long-term heavy use can cause cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome with severe repeated vomiting. If vomiting increases while you use cannabis, stop and contact your doctor.
What's the best way to take cannabis with gastroparesis?
Because food and pills can sit in the stomach for a long time, edibles may kick in late and unpredictably. Many doctors suggest under-the-tongue tinctures for more reliable timing. Start with a small amount and avoid stacking doses.
How do I know if it's cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
It usually occurs in people who use cannabis often over months or years, and many find relief only from hot showers or baths. The only reliable treatment is stopping cannabis. Tell your doctor about your use so they can consider this possibility.
Can cannabis interact with my gastroparesis medications?
Cannabis can add to sleepiness from anti-nausea medicines and from metoclopramide. If you have diabetes, appetite changes can affect blood sugar and insulin needs. Review your medicines with your doctor before starting.
Is dronabinol approved for gastroparesis?
No, dronabinol is FDA-approved for chemotherapy nausea and for appetite loss in AIDS, not gastroparesis. Doctors sometimes consider off-label use, but evidence is limited. Ask your gastroenterologist whether it makes sense for you.